Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Japan later this month, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit that begins in China’s Tianjin on August 31.
The visit will include stops in Tokyo and Sendai. Its timing reflects the steady growth of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, which has evolved over the past decade into a comprehensive engagement focused on mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific region.
Recent diplomatic engagements between officials from both sides have contributed to preparing the groundwork for PM Modi’s trip. These discussions have emphasised areas such as trade, defence, digital technologies, connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
Bilateral Agenda
During his time in Japan, PM Modi is expected to meet senior leaders and stakeholders to advance cooperation in key sectors. Likely areas of focus include:
• Defence and security collaboration, including ongoing work in defence equipment and technology, such as unmanned ground vehicles and robotics
• Emerging domains like space and cybersecurity
• Semiconductor supply chains, digital infrastructure and green technologies
• Clean energy and electric mobility, in alignment with sustainable development goals
• Connectivity and industrial competitiveness, complementing India’s Act East Policy and Japan’s vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Japan has remained a major investor in India in recent years. Both countries are working towards meeting the target of 5 trillion yen in Japanese investment in India for the 2022–2027 period.
People-to-People, Tourism Links
Discussions are also expected to include measures to enhance people-to-people exchanges. With India seeing a steady rise in outbound travel and passport issuances, there is growing potential for increased tourism between the two countries. Officials have noted that strengthening cultural and educational linkages will be important in promoting mutual understanding and long-term collaboration.
India, Japan In Indo-Pacific And Quad
The visit is also expected to contribute to broader regional discussions, particularly through the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad). India is set to host the Quad leaders’ summit later this year. Engagement with Japan remains part of preparations for that event.
Shared priorities within the Quad framework include maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rules-based Indo-Pacific; improving regional connectivity; and enhancing cooperation on global challenges such as health security, climate change and critical technologies.
Japanese Ambassador to India Ono Keiichi recently highlighted that India’s strategic presence and partnerships are integral to the Quad’s success.
